Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi (2nd L) hands over medical supplies to Nepali Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal (2nd R, front) during a donation ceremony held in Katmandu, capital of Nepal, March 29, 2020. [Photo/Chinese Embassy in Nepal]
Nepal's vitally important measures
As of April 7, nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Nepal, with no deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Hou pointed out that the general situation regarding epidemic prevention and control in Nepal is currently stable, however, the country is still facing challenges brought about by the global pandemic.
In response to such a health emergency, the Nepali government has taken a series of measures including providing up-to-date information on the epidemic, continuously improving its laboratory testing capacity, establishing a nationwide network of designated hospitals, as well as tracing those who have been in contact with confirmed patients and asking them to self-isolate.
Moreover, Nepal has conducted a nationwide lockdown in order to minimize the movement of people at home and from abroad. The country has also made extensive efforts to ensure the supply of daily essentials and provide relief packages to those in need.
"These measures have played a vitally important role in containing the epidemic," Hou said, adding that China understands and supports the Nepali government in taking action based on its own national conditions to contain the epidemic and protect its people's lives.
China closely cooperating with SAARC
All countries in South Asia have now reported cases of COVID-19, with a total of more than 9,000 confirmed as of April 7, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
China, which neighbors South Asia and provides mutual assistance and solidarity to the region, and has observer status in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), has continued to uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. It is also cooperating closely and sharing information on prevention and control with SAARC countries, Hou said.
Since the outbreak of the epidemic, "China has provided assistance to most South Asian countries, to the best of our abilities," she said.
As the pandemic continues to spread, South Asia, with its large population, is under huge pressure and all countries in the region have adopted strict prevention and control measures.
Given such circumstances, "China will continue to make full use of various resources and channels to stay in close cooperation with all member countries and the secretariat of the SAARC," explained Hou.
"We could jointly build a network of control and treatment at the regional level to enable a quicker response to public health emergencies and safeguard regional public health security," she said.
More bilateral cooperation expected
The bilateral practical cooperation between China and Nepal has been affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding this aspect, Hou pointed out that after the pandemic is contained, the two countries will continue to strengthen mutual cooperation in terms of infrastructure construction and areas regarding people's livelihoods.
"The pandemic has reminded us that the two countries should carry out more cooperation in terms of medical and health care, as well as e-commerce and logistics," Hou said.
"China and Nepal are long-term partners, and our bilateral cooperation and China's support and assistance for Nepal will never affected by any temporary incident," she concluded.
